Community Resources

Debra Sheets has launched a new four-episode series, recorded by people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. This podcast aims to change the narrative about dementia and provide listeners with an honest look into both the joys and challenges of living with, and caring for, someone with dementia. The podcast is available on all podcast apps as of January 31, 2022. 

CallToMindPodcast.com

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recently released the 2022 Annual Report on Canada’s National Dementia Strategy. The objectives of the strategy are to: a) prevent dementia; b) advance therapies and find a cure; and c) improve the quality of life of people living with dementia as well as their caregivers. 

Read the report here.

Your caregiver journey

Making the decision to relocate a parent, spouse or relative from home into a long-term care facility can be one of the most difficult decisions caregivers have to make. This caregiver journey tool  is based on the experiences and insights from family caregivers who have helped a family member make this transition.  It is intended for you to add information and record details to help you in your caregiver journey. This resource emerged from a collaborative research project between researchers at the University of Victoria and the Fraser Health Region.

Two layouts are available to download:

Your caregiver journey (digital viewing layout)

Your caregiver journey (print at home booklet) – to print the booklet at home, choose the Booklet option from your printing menu)

 If you have any questions, please contact Denise Cloutier at dcloutier@uvic.ca for more information.

The Canadian Institute for Seniors Care at Conestoga College has developed Canadian Remote Access for Dementia Learning Experiences (CRADLE), a free online course designed for care providers working in home and community care, retirement homes, and long-term care facilities across Canada. The course, which can be completed in less than two hours, explores strategies to meaningfully connect and support individuals living with dementia and their families.

For more information, go to https://opencoursesstore.d2l.com/product?catalog=CRADLE_FKYkt

In partnership with the Alzheimers Society of British Columbia, Psychology Doctoral Graduate and IALH Student Affiliate, Tiko Yoneda, studied the correlation between Physical Activity and Cognitive Function in older adults. 

See the Importance of Physical Activity is this visual summary. 

Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and two-spirit individuals grew up in a time when homosexuality and the expression of transgender identity was viewed very negatively. Although positive changes have occurred over time, individuals in this cohort often feel they must hide their identity when entering assistive living and long-term care facilities. The LGBTQI2S Dignity Project was developed to improve conditions for these individuals by raising awareness of an issue that largely remains invisible in the health care system. Resources created through this project include an interactive workbook and three film vignettes – Never Married, It Still Hurts, and A Special Occasion – which address issues faced by LGBTQI2S individuals living in assistive living and long-term care facilities.

For more information, go to https://www.lgbtqi2sdignityproject.ca/

• Down the Road - An interactive toolkit for caregivers about driving
• Down the road DVD link - http://www.donchaput.com/content/no-particular-place-go 
• Down the Road - Information card supplements for the Down the Road Toolkit
  • Information card #1 - The Assessment Process
  • Information card #2 - Refreshing Skills
  • Information card #3 - Grocery & Meal Services
  • Information card #4 - Public & Volunteer Transportation
  • Information card #5 - Private Transportation
  • Information card #6 - Transportation Cost Comparison
  • Information card #7 - Conversation Starters